Kynard starring on International stage

Former Kansas State track and field high jumper Erik Kynard started the new year with three impressive performances on the international stage.

With his most recent performance in Hustopece, Czech Republic, the former All-American has two victories in the high jump, as well as one runner-up performance during his latest international tour.

Kynard, who is no stranger to success on both the national and international stage, kicked off 2014 in Manhattan at the Wildcat Invitational on Jan. 18. Competing against former teammates as well as Chinese Olympians, Zhang Guo Wei and Wang Yu, Kynard dispatched the competition, setting a meet record mark of 7-07.00 in the process.

Swapping out his Nike gear for Team USA gear a week later, Kynard next competed in Glasgow, Ireland in the Sainsbury’s Glasgow International Match at Emirates Arena on Jan. 25.

The Olympic silver medalist impressed, jumping 7-07.75 and not missing an attempt until his three tries for 7-08.75. The mark put him second-best on the year internationally and is the best national jump to date.

Continuing his winning performances not even a week later, the Toledo, Ohio, native took first at the TYinec Indoor High Jump Gala in the Czech Republic on Jan. 29. His mark of 7-05.25 beat the field of 13, as Kynard was the only American competing in the event.

Kynard’s latest performance at Moravia High Jump Tour in Hustopece on Feb. 1 put a halt to his early year winning streak. The former Wildcat still hit an impressive mark of 7-06.50 and finished second behind Russia’s Aleksey Dmitrik (7-07.25).

With four meets in the book so far this year for Kynard, his attention will turn to Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham, England on Feb 15. He remains the top-ranked high jumper in the United States and the No. 3 high jumper in the world, trailing only Ukraine’s Bohdan Bondarenko (No. 1) and Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim (No. 2).